Ben Simmons was once called the next Penny Hardaway because of their similar skill set and high ceiling. Although, much like they did to Hardaway, injuries have plagued Simmons’s career to the point where early retirement might be the safest choice.
Lingering injuries Have Taken Their Toll For Ben Simmons
The Brooklyn Nets announced this past weekend that guard Ben Simmons is being shut down for the season. Simmons is said to have suffered a lower back injury that could be more severe than initially believed. While Simmons has had problems with his lower back before, this is now the third straight year his season ended in this fashion. This time, possible nerve damage has heightened worries.
After speaking to the team doctors, they made the mutual decision to shut Simmons down and start thinking of the next options in his recovery. It is believed that an injury like this could cause long-term issues if not treated now.
Over the last three full seasons, Simmons has played in 115 games of the possible 228, which is just over half. It seems like injuries are sadly the norm for Ben Simmons now. He has never been able to build off of his back-to-back All-Star nods from 2019-2021. But at his best, Simmons was putting up great numbers.
What could have been For Ben Simmons
After a few solid seasons in Philadelphia, Ben Simmons had a change of scenery in 2022.
When Brooklyn included Simmons in the James Harden deal in early 2022, they believed that he could fill the void that Harden was leaving. Simmons could facilitate, he could get to the basket, and he could run an offense efficiently. With other stars (Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant for the 2022–23 season) around him, Brooklyn expected big things from Simmons.
However, injuries lingered again, and the “trio” never played more than a handful of games together.
After the departure of most stars, Simmons was supposed to be the leader. When guys like Mikal Bridges and Cam Thomas were leading the team, they seemed like a group that was feisty and just wanted to play. No gimmicks or outside drama, they just wanted to play and be competitive.
During this time, Ben Simmons was supposed to slowly get back into form and be the go-to guy. Could they have competed for a championship with a healthy Simmons and the rest of the core? Likely no. Would it have been exciting to watch if they started catching fire? Absolutely.
Simmons had flashes of stardom while in Philadelphia, but his move to Brooklyn was supposed to elevate his career. Unfortunately, that has not been the case.
Is It Time to Call In A Career For Ben Simmons?
With the seriousness of his lower back injury seemingly high, it might be time for Ben Simmons to simply retire. Simmons, who is nearing 28, would still have years ahead of him. But with an injury this harsh and with the possibility of it getting worse, why risk it?
If you have a condition where you can be at a disadvantage in the future and are in pain, you have to make a smart decision and take the proper precautions. Even if that means stepping away from the game of basketball, it could be beneficial.
Ultimately, if this is an injury that could be detrimental to his career, his staff, teammates, and most of all, basketball fans, should support him.
This is a situation to keep an eye on as the months go on and things unfold with Ben Simmons.
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Desmond Ordonez is an avid sports fan and resides in Boise, Idaho. Desmond frequently covers NFL and NBA news. Follow him on Twitter at @des_ordo21. Check out all the great content Total Apex Sports has to offer. Check us out on X @TotalApexSports and our other sites: Total Apex Sports Bets and Total Apex Fantasy Sports.